Recently, I heard a lady interviewed on CNN who was so frustrated at her husband’s attempt to find a job that she decided to create a website called www.MyHusbandNeedsAJob.com. On it she had posted his resume with video clips of her and of him talking about his qualifications.
At the end of the interview, the CNN reporter said, “We’re not recommending you go to these lengths to get a job. This is just what one person did.”
Oh, Yeah?
I actually think you do need to go to some length if you’re unemployed and 
looking for a new career. I also recently heard people lamenting that “I send out hundreds of resumes and get no calls back.” What were you expecting? Were you expecting someone to sift through the stack of resumes to find yours, and be so impressed with your bs that they would immediately have their HR person get you on the phone and schedule an interview—or maybe hire you on the spot. Not likely.
What “lengths” are you willing to go to? The fact is that putting up a website with some of your work/portfolio/contact information/resume/video/audio/insight/expertise/knowledge is not any great length.
When I’m looking at candidates, I want to know a little bit more about them than what’s on a self-serving resume.
I want to know if they can deliver a cohesive and eloquent reason that my company should hire them. Yes, I do want to know what they look like and how they carry themselves. And yes, I do want to know what’s behind the facade of a resume. Do they have thoughts that are original, or that are intriguing or profound, or merely bland?
So “going to these lengths” is really not all that extravagant. It might be the only way you get a chance to differentiate yourself from the pack.
As a sales professional, you probably are reading this blog fully employed and content. But it could be that sometime in the next five years you grow discontented with what you have or are forced out. At that point you’ll need this post, so keep it handy.
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Great post, Bill. Looking for a job IS a sale–in fact I have also defined it as a Whale Hunt! It’s bigger than you and better not to do it alone (i.e. you need references, testimonials, referrals, reviewers of your materials, proofreaders etc!). More than one person will be involved in the decision, so it is a complex sale. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this timely topic.
Hey Brian and Bill,
Long time podcast listener and blog subscriber. I really appreciate all the work you do to publish your information. It has helped me and my company immensely.
I did something very similar think about a month ago. I am selling my house on my own. With all the free/low cost web options out there why not. Between Craig’s List, Google Blogger, Adware, and Analytics it is easy to get traffic and track what is working and what is not. A yard sign is still a big help!
No argument from me. Following the “rules” for getting a job just gets you a job that follows the rules. You want amazing, you have to be amazing. I’ve just launched my own website – Susan Hires A Boss – in my own search for something beyond the ordinary. Wish me luck!